Hong Kong: An Asian Football Confederation (AFC) delegation began its Futsal Assessment visit to the Hong Kong Football Association Ltd. (HKFA) as part of the AFC’s Futsal Development Programme on Saturday.

HKFA CEO Mr. Mark Sutcliffe (pictured left), who welcomed the AFC officials, reiterated the East Asian country’s emphasis on developing the game, saying: “HKFA are aiming to raise the standards of futsal in the country as there is high interest in futsal and we are working closely with the AFC, treating it as high priority.”

He also added that futsal serves as a great foundation to develop a stronger 11-a-side team as it instills players with on-the-pitch awareness and cultivates the players’ technical skills.

Head of AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Development Ali Targholizade then presented an overview of futsal activities in Asia to HKFA’s Head of Football Development, Grassroots football manager, competition manager and referees manager, as well as several junior coaches directly involved in their futsal development.

“Many great football players have a futsal background, and the AFC are taking the initiative in our Continent to improve futsal, and progress has been seen on the world stage,” said Targholizade, also thanking HKFA Futsal Manager Tsang Wai Chung for his contribution to futsal development in Asia and in Hong Kong.